Mexican Consul General Reyna Torres Mendivil Torres, Mexico’s top diplomat in San Antonio, says she has been overwhelmed with calls of sympathy and support from city leaders and ordinary citizens.

Mexican Consul General Reyna Torres Mendivil Torres, Mexico’s top diplomat in San Antonio, says she has been overwhelmed with calls of sympathy and support from city leaders and ordinary citizens.

Photo: William Luther /San Antonio Express-News

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A volunteer carries blankets and diapers Wednesday to a site affected by the earthquake in Mexico City. The Mexican Consulate in San Antonio has asked for monetary donations to the Mexican Red Cross rather than in-kind donations. less

A volunteer carries blankets and diapers Wednesday to a site affected by the earthquake in Mexico City. The Mexican Consulate in San Antonio has asked for monetary donations to the Mexican Red Cross rather than ... more

Photo: Marco Ugarte /Associated Press

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S.A. stands with Mexican quake victims

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Mexican Consul General Reyna Torres Mendivil is expected to update the City Council on relief efforts for Mexico City on Thursday morning as rescue teams continue to search through rumble for victims of the second major earthquake to strike that country in two weeks.

Torres, Mexico’s top diplomat in San Antonio, said Wednesday she has been overwhelmed with calls of sympathy and support from city leaders and ordinary citizens.

The Mexican Consulate here, which has asked for monetary donations to the Mexican Red Cross rather than in-kind donations, was observing three days of mourning, as declared by President Enrique Peña Nieto, for the more than 200 people killed by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake. At least 21 of them were schoolchildren.

“We’re sad and very concerned,” Torres said. “But we know that the Mexican people are very strong.”

It has been emotional, she said, to witness ordinary people forming rescue crews and continuing to coordinate with the military and first responders.

People are asked to make donations via credit card using the keyword “Sismo 19/09/17.” Sismo is Spanish for earthquake. Donations are requested in Mexican pesos. According to current exchange rates, 1,000 pesos amounts to about $56.

An email reiterated there was “no need for donations in kind. We will inform if this situation changes.”

Torres said communications have been restored and she believes most people have reconnected with loved ones in Mexico. But anyone in the United States still having trouble reaching family and friends can call the Mexican Embassy’s Center for Information and Assistance for Mexicans at 855-463-6395.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, a native of Mexico, released a statement Wednesday offering the archdiocese’s “prayers and condolences to those in Mexico City and the Mexican states of Mexico, Guerrero, Morelos and Puebla, who were affected by the devastating 7.1 earthquake.”

“We here in Texas are still coping with the aftermath of the disastrous consequences of Hurricane Harvey, and we join in solidarity with our brothers and sisters south of the Rio Grande at this troubling time,” he said.

García-Siller noted an earlier 8.1 magnitude quake, on Sept. 8, that struck Oaxaca and Chiapas states as well as parts of Guatemala.

“The sorrow is immense,” he said, “but we are united with the people of Mexico, our familia here and across the border, in their suffering. Just as the residents and government of Mexico pledged their support and assistance to us in our time of need.”

“The faith of the people of Mexico is strong,” García-Siller said. “As she always does, may Our Lady of Guadalupe, our Mother, hear our prayers and give us comfort in our times of trial.”